The flaws of humanity are so blatantly obvious in many Biblical accounts and when I read this today it made me smile.

“After six days Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became radiant, intensely white, as no one on earth could bleach them. And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus. And Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good that we are here. Let us make three tents, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.” For he did not know what to say, for they were terrified. And a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice came out of the cloud, “This is my beloved Son; listen to him.” Mark 9:2-8

This was a crazy, mind blowing experience for the disciples to witness and I’m not sure how I’d react if I’d been there. Elijah and Moses show up to talk to Jesus about something and Peter, of course, being the impulsive, foot–in–mouth dude that he is, has to say something even though he’s scared out of his wits.

Know anybody that talks or laughs too much when they’re nervous or afraid? This had to be one of those moments.

The best part of this story is God coming down in the form of a cloud, confirming that Jesus is His son, then basically telling the three disciples (probably meant mostly for mouth-running-constantly Peter) in a very, “I’m God and you’re not” authoritive way to shut up and listen to Jesus.

I wonder how many times I talk when I should be listening. Are my prayers and conversations  just a shopping list of my do’s, wants, plans and ideas or am I taking time to be quiet and just listen? I laugh when I read about Peter, but how much am I like him? Maybe more than I care to admit!

That’s something to think on…..

James 1:19 “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak”

Listen or your tongue will keep you deaf-an old Proverb